The DAC
DAC main functions are to give advice on the architecture, archaeology, art and history of places of worship; the care and maintenance of church buildings and their contents; and the care and maintenance of churchyards.
For the most part, the DAC advises churchwardens, PCCs and clergy who are planning work to their churches, and advises the Chancellor whether or not a faculty should be granted. This advice is given on a voluntary basis by members of the Committee, supported by a team of consultants and advisers on specialised topics such as bells, brasses, clocks, lighting, organs and trees.
Caring for church buildings is a great challenge for churchwardens and PCCs. The DAC provides advice, support, and encouragement at all stages of projects, from initial thoughts, through fundraising and making a faculty application, to completion, whether it be quinquennial repairs, reordering, or a new extension, whether on a small or large scale. As well as producing guidance notes and other published material (see below), the DAC and its consultants are happy to visit parishes to offer their expertise and experience – the earlier in the process, the better.
DAC Design Awards Scheme 2024
The DAC administers the Design Awards Scheme, which recognises excellence in design and craftsmanship, and to encourage the commissioning of individual designs rather than resorting to standard catalogue items. The scheme applies to everything which requires faculty consent, from small items such as candlesticks and light fittings, to stained glass, memorials, sculpture, paintings, furniture, etc., through to reordering schemes, whole building developments, cremated-remains areas in churchyards, or tree planting project
See which churches received our Highly Commended Design Awards in 2017.
See which churches received Design Awards in 2019
See which churches received Design Awards in 2022
Applications for 2024 scheme. Projects completed between 1st January 2022 and 31st December 2023 will be accepted. If you would like to enter the 2024 Design Awards you can either email the DAC Office for an application form..
OR on-line by clicking button below
Entry for 2024 Design Awards Scheme will be open November 2023
Useful Links
For further information, please contact the DAC Secretary, Sandra Turner - 01245 294423, DAC Assistant Joanne Beaumont - 01245 294413 or follow the links below:
To submit an application to the DAC you need to register to the On-line Faculty System and upload applications. HERE
Risk Assessment of your church
- Historic England - Lightning Protection
- Historic England - Metal Theft from Church Roofs and Replacement Materials
- How to carry out Risk Assessment of your church - Ecclesiastical Insurance Link
- How to Use fire-risk-assessment-form - Ecclesiastical Insurance
- PDF - General Risk Assessment Form - Eccelesiastical Insurance
- Tower Beacon Guidance (The commemorations of the end of the First World War in 2018 has given rise to fresh interest in beacons on church towers. Ecclesiastical has revised its guidance on church tower beacons)
Other Links
- Places of worship protective security funding applications, to appliy online can be made until 23:59 on 14th July 2022 funding scheme and how to apply are available online
- Jubilee Beacons - Churchcare with brief guiandance on Jubilee Beacons, the key message is to keep beacons away from church buildings
- Faculty Jurisdiction amendments due in April 2020
- Anti-Socvial Behaviour
- A & B Lists (July 2022)
- Additional Matters Order - To install Commonwealth War Graves Signage
- DAC - Agenda and Meeting Dates 2022
- What documents to submit when seeking permission for any works to church or churchyard
- Historic England new online guidance Building Works and Bats (replacing 'Bats in Traditional Buildings')
- Bats in Churches Partnership Project - Heritage Lottery fund
- Church Buildings Council Conservation (CBC) Grants
During lockdown the CBC staff team are all working from home and remain contactable using their usual contact details. CBC grants programme is still operating and will still provide casework and other advice as long as you keep asking. CBC will also continue to update their guidance for churches during lockdown. - Church Buildings Council - Statement of Significance and Needs
- ChurchCare (CBC) Guidance Notes Including - Funding - Sources of Funding for Conservation Projects
- Charitable Grants for Churches
- Essex Police - Crime Prevention Strategy
- The DAC and the Faculty Process
- DAC Constitution (Under review)
- Statement of Significance and Need
- DAC Advisors and Consultants
- DAC Members
- Guide to disposal & Loans of church assets/treasures Church of England Guide
- The Changing Church - a guide to developing and adapting church buildings
- Redundant Organs guidance
- Useful Addresses e.g. Registry, SPAB, Historic England & Others
- The Faculty Jurisdiction Rules (Came into force 1st April 2020)
- National Lottery Heritage Emergency Fund - The National Lottery Heritage Fund has put together a £50million fund to support the heritage sector as an immediate response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The NLHF’s own FAQs have been amended so they reflect this. The Heritage Emergency Fund will be open for applications from 2pm on 15 April 2020 until 30 June 2020.
- A practical path to “net zero carbon” for our churches Notice of consultation on definition of net zero carbon.
- Net-zero - churches to have due regard to the Church Building Council's (CBC) advice on net-zero carbon on which proposals for net-zero carbon apply..
- Church Buildings Council (CBC) - Practical path to net-zero carbon for churches
The following websites also contain useful information and advice:
- Ancients Monuments Society
- Church Care (Church Buildings Council)
- Ecclesiastical Insurance
- Historic England
- Historic England - temporary protection of historic features during building works - direct and indirect measures for protection
- Essex County Council
- Friends of Essex Churches Trust
- Funds for Historic Buildings
- Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme Adminstration of LPWG and Application Form
- Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) - Advice - Advice - Rafter Level Insulation - SPAB The Need for Old Buildings to 'Breathe' 2020 - SPAB Briefing_Energy efficiency
- Victorian Society
- Natural England
- Faith in Maintenance
- Building Conservation
- War Memorial Trust
For more information please contact Sandra Turner
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